Impressive Ceremonies at Site of New Synagogue to Take Place Sunday Next
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On Sunday, August 4, at 3 o'clock, the Hebrews of Newton, will celebrate a great event in the laying of the corner stone of the first Synagogue to be built in Newton. During the last fifteen years, which have seen the growth of this sect in Newton, a great struggle for religious existence has gone on continually. Small in numbers, and of limited means, the Jewish members of the community have always zealously observed their religious tenets, in spite of their limited facilities for conducting their worship. At first, the homes of the various members were utilized, for Sabbath day services, each considering it his bounding duty to as better means were afforded. Now feeling stronger and their unity of purpose being fixed, the Hebrew residents of Newton have decided to erect a Synagogue, the first in Newton, where the religious life may be cemented and its future assured.
In carrying out this purpose, a great financial hardship, is being undergone by each individual concerned, yet with high hopes and implicit trust in the community in which they reside, complete success in the undertaking is assured.
The Synagogue, which is to be erected on a plot of land situated at 114 Adams St., Newton, is to be a two-story, half cement, tile and smooth red brick finish structure. The ground floor is to be used as a Sabath school room, vestry and meeting rooms. The upper floor and gallery is to be the Synagogue proper and place of worship. Simplicity, the universal quality of Judaism is to be the chief feature in its construction.
Leading Rabbis and Cantors of Boston and vicinity will officiate at the exercises in the afternoon. Abraham Alpert, Esq. of East Boston will act as master of Ceremonies. Rabbi Friederman will also be prominent during the services. Mayor Hatfield has accepted an invitation to speak to the guests of the occasion, subject to his freedom from the many and various activities in which he is prominent.
Other personages of local prominence are also to speak and assist during the exercises.
The arrangements for the exercises are in charge of Building committee, assisted by the Ladies' Auxilliary of the Congregation Agudath Achim.
The Building Committee of the Agudath Achim Congregation, consists of Mr. Max Silverman, Mr. Morris Gilfix, Mr. Benj. Gilfix, Mr. H. Perry, and Mr. J. Swartz, Treasurer.
From the front page of The Newton Times, July 31, 1912.
